System and method of multimedia access

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of multimedia access. In an embodiment, an authorization signal can be received from a multimedia distribution system at a multimedia receiver having a peripheral device interface. The authorization signal can authorize data transfer via the peripheral device interface.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to providing access to multimediacontent.

BACKGROUND

Portable consumer electronics are becoming increasingly popular. Variousdevices can store and retrieve multimedia content such as songs, movies,television programs, or electronic games. However, it can be difficultto locate sources of multimedia content providing secure and reliableaccess to a broad selection of available content. In addition, ease ofcommunication between electronic devices presents difficulties forcontent providers desiring to limit transfer or copying of themultimedia content once provided. Hence, there is a need for an improvedsystem and method of multimedia access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of anInternet Protocol Television (IPTV) system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of asystem to provide multimedia access;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of amethod of providing multimedia access;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a second particular illustrative embodimentof a method of providing multimedia access; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a general computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a multimedia receiver is disclosed thatincludes a peripheral device interface and a device driver selectivelyinaccessible to the peripheral device interface. The multimedia receiveralso includes a memory device accessible to a processor. The memorydevice includes instructions executable by the processor to enable datatransfer via the peripheral device interface when an authorization isreceived via a multimedia distribution network and to make the devicedriver accessible to the peripheral device interface after theauthorization is received.

In another embodiment, a multimedia access method is disclosed. Themethod includes receiving an authorization from a multimediadistribution system at a multimedia receiver having a Universal SerialBus (USB) port. The authorization authorizes data transfer via the USBport. The method also includes transferring data via the USB port.

In another embodiment, a second multimedia access method is disclosed.The method includes receiving information required to enable datatransfer via a serial port of a multimedia receiver at a server of amultimedia distribution system. The method also includes sending anauthorization to the multimedia receiver to authorize data transferbetween the multimedia receiver and at least one peripheral device viathe serial port.

In another embodiment, a processor-readable medium is disclosed. Themedium tangibly embodies processor instructions to identify a peripheraldevice coupled to a serial interface and to send data to a displaydevice indicating that the peripheral device is not authorized toreceive multimedia content via the serial interface.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) system that may be used to provide a set-top boxapplication is illustrated and is generally designated 100. As shown,the system 100 can include a client facing tier 102, an application tier104, an acquisition tier 106, and an operations and management tier 108.Each tier 102, 104, 106, 108 is coupled to a private network 110; to apublic network 112, such as the Internet; or to both the private network110 and the public network 112. For example, the client-facing tier 102can be coupled to the private network 110. Further, the application tier104 can be coupled to the private network 110 and to the public network112. The acquisition tier 106 can also be coupled to the private network110 and to the public network 112. Additionally, the operations andmanagement tier 108 can be coupled to the public network 112.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the various tiers 102, 104, 106, 108communicate with each other via the private network 110 and the publicnetwork 112. For instance, the client-facing tier 102 can communicatewith the application tier 104 and the acquisition tier 106 via theprivate network 110. The application tier 104 can communicate with theacquisition tier 106 via the private network 110. Further, theapplication tier 104 can communicate with the acquisition tier 106 andthe operations and management tier 108 via the public network 112.Moreover, the acquisition tier 106 can communicate with the operationsand management tier 108 via the public network 112. In a particularembodiment, elements of the application tier 104, including, but notlimited to, a client gateway 150, can communicate directly with theclient-facing tier 102.

The client-facing tier 102 can communicate with user equipment via anaccess network 166, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)access network. In an illustrative embodiment, customer premisesequipment (CPE) 114, 122 can be coupled to a local switch, router, orother device of the access network 166. The client-facing tier 102 cancommunicate with a first representative set-top box device 116 via thefirst CPE 114 and with a second representative set-top box device 124via the second CPE 122. In a particular embodiment, the firstrepresentative set-top box device 116 and the first CPE 114 can belocated at a first customer premise, and the second representativeset-top box device 124 and the second CPE 122 can be located at a secondcustomer premise. In another particular embodiment, the firstrepresentative set-top box device 116 and the second representativeset-top box device 124 can be located at a single customer premise, bothcoupled to one of the CPE 114, 122. The CPE 114, 122 can includerouters, local area network devices, modems, such as digital subscriberline (DSL) modems, any other suitable devices for facilitatingcommunication between a set-top box device and the access network 166,or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the client-facing tier 102 can be coupled tothe CPE 114, 122 via fiber optic cables. In another exemplaryembodiment, the CPE 114, 122 can be digital subscriber line (DSL) modemsthat are coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and theclient-facing tier 102 can be coupled to the network nodes viafiber-optic cables. Each set-top box device 116, 124 can process datareceived via the access network 166, via an IPTV software platform, suchas Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition.

The first set-top box device 116 can be coupled to a first externaldisplay device, such as a first television monitor 118, and the secondset-top box device 124 can be coupled to a second external displaydevice, such as a second television monitor 126. Moreover, the firstset-top box device 116 can communicate with a first remote control 120,and the second set-top box device 124 can communicate with a secondremote control 128. The set-top box devices 116, 124 can include IPTVset-top box devices; video gaming devices or consoles that are adaptedto receive IPTV content; personal computers or other computing devicesthat are adapted to emulate set-top box device functionalities; anyother device adapted to receive IPTV content and transmit data to anIPTV system via an access network; or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device 116,124 can receive data, video, or any combination thereof, from theclient-facing tier 102 via the access network 166 and render or displaythe data, video, or any combination thereof, at the display device 118,126 to which it is coupled. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-topbox devices 116, 124 can include tuners that receive and decodetelevision programming signals or packet streams for transmission to thedisplay devices 118, 126. Further, the set-top box devices 116, 124 caninclude a STB processor 170 and a STB memory device 172 that isaccessible to the STB processor 170. In one embodiment, a computerprogram, such as the STB computer program 174, can be embedded withinthe STB memory device 172.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 102 can include aclient-facing tier (CFT) switch 130 that manages communication betweenthe client-facing tier 102 and the access network 166 and between theclient-facing tier 102 and the private network 110. As illustrated, theCFT switch 130 is coupled to one or more data servers, such as D-servers132, that store, format, encode, replicate, or otherwise manipulate orprepare video content for communication from the client-facing tier 102to the set-top box devices 116, 124. The CFT switch 130 can also becoupled to a terminal server 134 that provides terminal devices with aconnection point to the private network 110. In a particular embodiment,the CFT switch 130 can be coupled to a video-on-demand (VOD) server 136that stores or provides VOD content imported by the IPTV system 100.Further, the CFT switch 130 is coupled to one or more video servers 180that receive video content and transmit the content to the set-top boxes116, 124 via the access network 166.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 102 cancommunicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as therepresentative set-top boxes 116, 124 over a wide geographic area, suchas a metropolitan area, a viewing area, a statewide area, a regionalarea, a nationwide area or any other suitable geographic area, marketarea, or subscriber or customer group that can be supported bynetworking the client-facing tier 102 to numerous set-top box devices.In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch 130, or any portion thereof,can include a multicast router or switch that communicates with multipleset-top box devices via a multicast-enabled network.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the application tier 104 can communicate withboth the private network 110 and the public network 112. The applicationtier 104 can include a first application tier (APP) switch 138 and asecond APP switch 140. In a particular embodiment, the first APP switch138 can be coupled to the second APP switch 140. The first APP switch138 can be coupled to an application server 142 and to an OSS/BSSgateway 144. In a particular embodiment, the application server 142 canprovide applications to the set-top box devices 116, 124 via the accessnetwork 166, which enable the set-top box devices 116, 124 to providefunctions, such as interactive program guides, video gaming, display,messaging, processing of VOD material and other IPTV content, etc. In anillustrative embodiment, the application server 142 can provide locationinformation to the set-top box devices 116, 124. In a particularembodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 144 includes operation systems andsupport (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data.In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 144 can provide or restrictaccess to an OSS/BSS server 164 that stores operations and billingsystems data.

The second APP switch 140 can be coupled to a domain controller 146 thatprovides Internet access, for example, to users at their computers 168via the public network 112. For example, the domain controller 146 canprovide remote Internet access to IPTV account information, e-mail,personalized Internet services, or other online services via the publicnetwork 112. In addition, the second APP switch 140 can be coupled to asubscriber and system store 148 that includes account information, suchas account information that is associated with users who access the IPTVsystem 100 via the private network 110 or the public network 112. In anillustrative embodiment, the subscriber and system store 148 can storesubscriber or customer data and create subscriber or customer profilesthat are associated with IP addresses, stock-keeping unit (SKU) numbers,other identifiers, or any combination thereof, of corresponding set-topbox devices 116, 124. In another illustrative embodiment, the subscriberand system store can store data associated with capabilities of set-topbox devices associated with particular customers.

In a particular embodiment, the application tier 104 can include aclient gateway 150 that communicates data directly to the client-facingtier 102. In this embodiment, the client gateway 150 can be coupleddirectly to the CFT switch 130. The client gateway 150 can provide useraccess to the private network 110 and the tiers coupled thereto. In anillustrative embodiment, the set-top box devices 116, 124 can access theIPTV system 100 via the access network 166, using information receivedfrom the client gateway 150. User devices can access the client gateway150 via the access network 166, and the client gateway 150 can allowsuch devices to access the private network 110 once the devices areauthenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway 150 can preventunauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-top boxdevices from accessing the private network 110, by denying access tothese devices beyond the access network 166.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device 116accesses the client-facing tier 102 via the access network 166, theclient gateway 150 can verify subscriber information by communicatingwith the subscriber and system store 148 via the private network 110.Further, the client gateway 150 can verify billing information andstatus by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway 144 via the privatenetwork 110. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 144 can transmit aquery via the public network 112 to the OSS/BSS server 164. After theclient gateway 150 confirms subscriber and/or billing information, theclient gateway 150 can allow the set-top box device 116 to access IPTVcontent and VOD content at the client-facing tier 102. If the clientgateway 150 cannot verify subscriber information for the set-top boxdevice 116, e.g., because it is connected to an unauthorized twistedpair, the client gateway 150 can block transmissions to and from theset-top box device 116 beyond the access network 166.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the acquisition tier 106 includes an acquisitiontier (AQT) switch 152 that communicates with the private network 110.The AQT switch 152 can also communicate with the operations andmanagement tier 108 via the public network 112. In a particularembodiment, the AQT switch 152 can be coupled to a live acquisitionserver 154 that receives or acquires television content, movie content,advertisement content, other video content, or any combination thereof,from a broadcast service 156, such as a satellite acquisition system orsatellite head-end office. In a particular embodiment, the liveacquisition server 154 can transmit content to the AQT switch 152, andthe AQT switch 152 can transmit the content to the CFT switch 130 viathe private network 110.

In an illustrative embodiment, content can be transmitted to theD-servers 132, where it can be encoded, formatted, stored, replicated,or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication from the videoserver(s) 180 to the set-top box devices 116, 124. The CFT switch 130can receive content from the video server(s) 180 and communicate thecontent to the CPE 114, 122 via the access network 166. The set-top boxdevices 116, 124 can receive the content via the CPE 114, 122, and cantransmit the content to the television monitors 118, 126. In anillustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the content can bestreamed to the set-top box devices 116, 124.

Further, the AQT switch 152 can be coupled to a video-on-demand importerserver 158 that receives and stores television or movie content receivedat the acquisition tier 106 and communicates the stored content to theVOD server 136 at the client-facing tier 102 via the private network110. Additionally, at the acquisition tier 106, the video-on-demand(VOD) importer server 158 can receive content from one or more VODsources outside the IPTV system 100, such as movie studios andprogrammers of non-live content. The VOD importer server 158 cantransmit the VOD content to the AQT switch 152, and the AQT switch 152,in turn, can communicate the material to the CFT switch 130 via theprivate network 110. The VOD content can be stored at one or moreservers, such as the VOD server 136.

When users issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box devices116, 124, the requests can be transmitted over the access network 166 tothe VOD server 136, via the CFT switch 130. Upon receiving suchrequests, the VOD server 136 can retrieve the requested VOD content andtransmit the content to the set-top box devices 116,124 across theaccess network 166, via the CFT switch 130. The set-top box devices 116,124 can transmit the VOD content to the television monitors 118, 126. Inan illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VOD content canbe streamed to the set-top box devices 116, 124.

FIG. 1 further illustrates that the operations and management tier 108can include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch 160 thatconducts communication between the operations and management tier 108and the public network 112. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, theOMT switch 160 is coupled to a TV2 server 162. Additionally, the OMTswitch 160 can be coupled to an OSS/BSS server 164 and to a networkmonitor 186, such as a simple network management protocol (SNMP) monitoror a like protocol, that monitors network devices within or coupled tothe IPTV system 100. In a particular embodiment, the OMT switch 160 cancommunicate with the AQT switch 152 via the public network 112.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server 154 cantransmit content to the AQT switch 152, and the AQT switch 152, in turn,can transmit the content to the OMT switch 160 via the public network112. In this embodiment, the OMT switch 160 can transmit the content tothe TV2 server 162 for display to users accessing the user interface atthe TV2 server 162. For example, a user can access the TV2 server 162using a personal computer 168 coupled to the public network 112.

In an illustrative embodiment, an external device such as a peripheraldevice 176, e.g., a portable multimedia player, a gaming system, amemory device, etc., can be coupled to a set-top box device, such as thesecond representative set-top box device 124, for example, via auniversal serial bus (USB) connection or other connection. In anillustrative embodiment, one or more device drivers that enable theset-top box device 124 to exchange data with the peripheral device 176can be provided by to the set-top box device 124 by the terminal server134. In another illustrative embodiment, the device drivers can beprovided to the set-top box device 124 by the application server 142.

Referring to FIG. 2, a particular illustrative embodiment of a system toprovide multimedia access is depicted and generally designated 200. Amultimedia receiver 202, such as a set-top box device, communicates witha multimedia distribution system 205 that includes a device driverserver 270 and a billing server 272 via a multimedia distributionnetwork 204. The multimedia receiver 202 can further communicate with aremote control 222, a display device 242, and a peripheral device 224.

In a particular embodiment, the multimedia receiver 202 includes aprocessor 208 coupled to a memory device 210. In an illustrativeembodiment, the processor 208 can be coupled to a digital video recorder(DVR) 212. Further, the processor 208 can be coupled to a networkinterface 216 to communicate with the multimedia distribution system 205via the multimedia distribution network 204 and customer premisesequipment (CPE) 217. In addition, the processor 208 can be coupled to aremote interface 218 that allows the multimedia receiver 202 to receivecommands from the remote control 222. Additionally, the processor 208can be coupled to a display interface 226 that allows the multimediareceiver 202 to display multimedia content at the display device 242.

The memory device 210 can include a video content control and buffermodule 232 to buffer multimedia content received from the multimediadistribution system 205 via the network interface 216.

In a particular embodiment, the memory device 210 can include a menumodule 230 executable by the processor 208 to display notices andselectable menus at the display device 242. The menu module 230 can alsobe executable by the processor 208 to process menu navigation andselection commands received at the multimedia receiver 202. In anillustrative embodiment, menu navigation and selection commands can bereceived from the remote control device 222 via the remote interface218, from a voice interface (not shown), from other navigation andselection systems (not shown), or from any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the memory device 210 can also include aperipheral control module 238 executable by the processor 208 to controldata transfer with one or more peripheral devices 224 via a peripheraldevice interface 214. In an illustrative embodiment, the peripheralcontrol module 238 can be executable by the processor 208 to controlcommunication between the peripheral device 224 and the DVR 212, thememory device 210, other memory devices such as an external storagedevice (not shown), or any combination thereof.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the peripheral device 224 caninclude a portable video player, and the peripheral control module 238can be executable by the processor 208 to control the download oftelevision programs or movies stored at the DVR 212 to the peripheraldevice 224. In another particular illustrative embodiment, theperipheral device 224 can include a video camera or MP3 player, and theperipheral control module 238 can be executable by the processor 208 tocontrol the upload of video or music data to the DVR 212. In aparticular illustrative embodiment, the peripheral control module 238can be executable by the processor 208 to control the transfer of datato the peripheral device 224 including audio content, video content,electronic book content, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) content,other multimedia content, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the peripheral device 224 can include aprocessor (not shown), and the peripheral control module 238 cantransfer processor-executable data to the peripheral device 224. In aparticular illustrative embodiment, the peripheral device 224 can be agaming device, and the peripheral control module 238 can control thetransfer of gaming content and related data between the peripheraldevice 224 and the multimedia distribution system. For example, theperipheral control module 238 can control the transfer of gamingapplications to the peripheral device 224 from the multimediadistribution system. As another example, the peripheral control module238 can control the transfer of gaming data, such as game statusinformation, to the multimedia distribution system. In a particularillustrative embodiment, the multimedia distribution system 205 can bethe Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system 100 of FIG. 1, and gamingapplication content can be provided via the terminal server 134, theapplication server 142, a gaming application server (not shown), or anycombination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, communication with the peripheral device 224can be enabled via a peripheral interface 214. In an illustrativeembodiment, the peripheral interface 214 can include a universal serialbus (USB) port that facilitates data communication via a USB High Speedor other designation or standard, such as USB 1.1, USB 1.2, USB 2.0,Wireless USB, USB On-The-Go, any other USB protocol, standard,technology, or any combination thereof. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, the peripheral interface 214 can enable communication viaone or more other communication protocols, technologies, or standards.

Data transfer via the peripheral interface 214 can be restricted toauthorized transfers in accordance with a subscription or otheragreement between a user of the multimedia receiver 202 and themultimedia distribution system. In a particular embodiment, datatransfer via the peripheral interface 214 can be disabled until anindication of authorization is received from the multimedia distributionsystem. When authorization is received, the peripheral control module238 can enable data transfer with the peripheral device 224. In anillustrative embodiment, one or more peripheral devices 224 can beidentified when coupled to the peripheral device interface 214 and oneor more device drivers 240 can be identified to enable communicationwith the peripheral devices 224 via the peripheral device interface 214.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, communication via theperipheral interface 214 can be controlled by a switch 274. The switch274 can enable or disable uni-directional or bi-directional datatransfer between the peripheral device 224 and the multimedia receiver202. In an illustrative embodiment, the switch 274 can selectivelyenable data transfer exclusively between the peripheral device 224 andthe processor 208, the memory device 210, the DVR 212, the multimediadistribution network 204 via the network interface 216, or anycombination thereof. The switch 274 can comprise hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the peripheral control module 238 can beexecutable by the processor 208 to identify a peripheral device 224coupled to the peripheral device interface 214 and to transfer data tothe peripheral device 224 when the peripheral device 224 is anauthorized device, and to not transfer data to the peripheral device 224when the when the peripheral device 224 is not an authorized device. Inan illustrative embodiment, the memory device 210 can include aperipheral device driver 240 that is selectively inaccessible to theperipheral device interface 214, so that data transfer with theperipheral device 224 via the peripheral interface 214 is reduced orprevented. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the peripheralcontrol module 238 can disable one or more modes of communication with anon-authorized peripheral device 224 via the switch 274, selectiveaccess to the peripheral device drivers 240, selective retrieval orstorage of peripheral device drivers 240 from the multimediadistribution system, control of data transfer generally via logicexecuted by the processor 208, or any combination thereof.

When an authorization allowing communication with the peripheral device224 is received, the peripheral control module 238 can allow or provideaccess to the device driver 240. In a particular embodiment, theauthorization can be received via the multimedia distribution network204 and indicate at least one peripheral device 224 that is authorizedto transfer data via the peripheral interface 214. In a particularillustrative embodiment, the peripheral device driver 240 can be acustom or unique device driver having a limited use to only a particulartype of peripheral device 224, a predetermined subset of peripheraldevices 224, or a single peripheral device 224. For example, a unique orpseudo-unique identifier, such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address,can be used in conjunction with the peripheral device driver 240 tolimit communication via the peripheral interface 214 to a particularperipheral device 224. In another illustrative embodiment, theperipheral device driver 240 can be encrypted, and thus renderedunusable, until an encryption key is received from the multimediadistribution system 205 to allow decryption of the device driver 240.

In a particular embodiment, the menu module 230 can be executable by theprocessor 208 to send a selectable menu 252 to the display device 242,such as when the peripheral device 224 is not an authorized device, orwhen an unauthorized data transfer is requested by a user of themultimedia receiver 202. The menu module 230 can be executable by theprocessor 208 to provide a notice to a user of the display device 242indicating, for example, that the peripheral device 224 is notauthorized to communicate data with the multimedia receiver 202, or thatthe requested data transfer is not authorized. For example, the menumodule 230 can provide a notice when an unauthorized peripheral device224 is first coupled to the peripheral interface 214, or when a user ofthe multimedia receiver 202 requests an unauthorized transfer of data toor from the peripheral device 224.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the selectable menu 252 caninclude an option 244 to subscribe to a service allowing data transferwith the peripheral device 224, an option 246 to accept a fee for thedata transfer, an option 248 to cancel a requested data transfer, and anoption 250 to request additional information. The menu module 230 canreceive a selection of a menu option 244, 246, 248, 250 of theselectable menu 252, such as via a signal received at the multimediadevice 202 from the remote control device 222, a control panel of themultimedia receiver (not shown), a speech recognition interface (notshown), any other navigation or selection mechanism, or any combinationthereof.

In a particular embodiment, when a menu option 244, 246 indicatingacceptance of a fee or subscription to a service is selected by a userof the multimedia receiver 202, the peripheral control module 238 cansend a signal indicating the acceptance to a server of the multimediadistribution system, such as the billing server 272. In a particularillustrative embodiment, the peripheral control module 238 can alsoprovide a signal to the billing server 272 indicating the selection ofthe menu option 244, 246 and identifying the peripheral device 224. Inan illustrative embodiment where the multimedia distribution system 205is the IPTV system 100 of FIG. 1, the multimedia receiver 202 can sendand receive data relating to the selectable menu 252 and multimediacontent transfer via the peripheral interface 214 with the OSS/BSSserver 164, the terminal server 134, the application server 142, or anycombination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, after the peripheral control module 238 hassent a signal to a first server of the multimedia distribution network,such as the billing server 272, that indicates an acceptance of a fee, asubscription to a service, another option that authorizes data transferwith the peripheral device 224, or any combination thereof, theperipheral control module 238 can receive a signal from the multimediadistribution system 205 enabling multimedia file access via theperipheral interface 214. In a particular illustrative embodiment, theperipheral control module 238 can receive an authorization of aparticular type of data transfer via the peripheral interface 214, suchas, for example, only uploading data, only downloading data, onlyallowing data transfer with the DVR 212, only allowing data transfer viathe network interface, only allowing any other particular type of datatransfer, or any combination thereof. In another particular illustrativeembodiment, the peripheral control module 238 can receive one or moredata transfer limits, such as a one-time, daily, or monthly limit, andcan track an amount of data transferred via the peripheral interface 214to detect or enforce compliance with the data transfer limits.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, the peripheral controlmodule 238 can receive one or more device drivers 274 from a secondserver of the multimedia distribution system, such as the device driverserver 270, that enable multimedia file access via the peripheralinterface 214. The device driver(s) 274 can be accessible to theperipheral interface 214 to allow data transfer to the peripheral device224, such as a generic or custom driver for communicating via a USBport, as non-limiting, illustrative examples. In a particularillustrative embodiment where the multimedia distribution system 205 isthe IPTV system 100 of FIG. 1, the device driver(s) 274 can be sent tothe multimedia receiver 202 from the terminal server 134, theapplication server 142, a device driver server (not shown), or anycombination thereof.

With reference to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of a particular illustrativeembodiment of a method of providing multimedia access is depicted. Atblock 300, in a particular embodiment, a multimedia receiver having aUSB port sends information to a server of a multimedia distributionsystem. In an illustrative embodiment, the information can indicate anacceptance of a condition such as a fee or subscription related to aservice to allow data transfer between a set-top box a and a peripheraldevice. Moving to block 302, an authorization is received from themultimedia distribution system at the multimedia receiver, where theauthorization authorizes data transfer via the USB port. In a particularembodiment, the authorization can include an electrical signal, anoptical signal, a magnetic signal, any other type of signal, or anycombination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the authorization caninclude data that can be interpreted or operated on by the multimediareceiver to authorize or enable data transfer via the USB port. In anillustrative example, the authorization can be received as InternetProtocol (IP) packet data via an IP network

Continuing to block 304, in a particular embodiment, a switch is closedto couple the USB port to a memory device of the multimedia receiver inresponse to the authorization. In an illustrative embodiment, the switchcan be a physical switch, logical switch, software control switch, orany combination thereof. Progressing to block 306, in a particularembodiment, a device driver identified by the authorization can bereceived via a network interface of the multimedia receiver.

Moving to block 308, in a particular embodiment, a USB host is providedaccess to the device driver identified by the authorization signal afterthe signal is received. Continuing to block 310, data is transferred viathe USB port. The method terminates at 312.

With reference to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of another particularillustrative embodiment of a method of providing multimedia access isdepicted. At block 400, a server of a multimedia distribution systemreceives information required to enable data transfer via a serial portof a multimedia receiver. In an illustrative embodiment, the server canbe the OSS/BSS server 164 of the internet protocol television (IPTV)system 100 of FIG. 1, and the required information can include anacceptance of one or more conditions such as paying a fee, subscribingto service, user identification information, payment information,peripheral device identification, type of transfer service, or anycombination thereof. Progressing to block 402, a signal is sent to themultimedia receiver to enable data transfer between the multimediareceiver and at least one peripheral device via the serial port. In anillustrative embodiment, the signal can provide authorization for thedata transfer, data required to enable the transfer, other information,or any combination thereof. The method terminates at 404.

In conjunction with the configuration of structure described herein, thesystems and methods disclosed can enable a multimedia receiver, such asa set-top box, to detect a peripheral device coupled to a peripheralinterface, such as a USB port. The multimedia receiver can determine ifthe peripheral device is authorized to transfer data to or from themultimedia receiver. If a user of the multimedia receiver requests adata transfer that is not authorized, such as, for example, downloadinga television program stored at a DVR of the multimedia receiver to apersonal video device, a notice can be displayed on a display deviceindicating a refusal to complete the requested data transfer. Aselectable menu can also be displayed, including available options forthe user, such as a paying for a one-time transfer, subscribing to aservice, canceling the request, receiving more information, any otheravailable option, or any combination thereof.

Upon receiving a selection of an option indicating a request to completethe data transfer, the multimedia receiver can send informationindicating the selection, the peripheral device, other pertinent orrequired information, or any combination thereof, to one or more serversof a multimedia distribution system such as an IPTV system, including anOSS/BSS server, a terminal server, an application server, or anycombination thereof. After receiving the information from the multimediareceiver and updating applicable records and settings, an authorizationsignal can be sent from a server of an IPTV system, such as an OSS/BSSserver, to the multimedia receiver to enable data transfer via theperipheral device. The signal can include an authorization code orparameter, a device driver, or a decryption key, as illustrative,non-limiting examples. After receiving the authorization signal, datatransfer can be enabled via the peripheral interface.

Referring to FIG. 5, an illustrative embodiment of a general computersystem is shown and is designated 500. The computer system 500 caninclude a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computersystem 500 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 500, or any portionthereof, may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g.,using a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network, toother computer systems or peripheral devices, including but not limitedto servers, customer premises equipment, and multimedia receivers, asdepicted in FIGS. 1-2.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 500 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 500 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 500 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the computer system 500 may include aprocessor 502, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 500 caninclude a main memory 504 and a static memory 506 that can communicatewith each other via a bus 508. As shown, the computer system 500 mayfurther include a video display unit 510, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat paneldisplay, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT).Additionally, the computer system 500 may include an input device 512,such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 514, such as a mouse.Further, the computer system 500 can include a wireless input device515, e.g., a remote control device. When the computer system 500, or anyportion thereof, is embodied in a set-top box device, the cursor controldevice 514 can be a remote control device. The computer system 500 canalso include a disk drive unit 516, a signal generation device 518, suchas a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device 520.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the disk drive unit516 may include a computer-readable medium 522 in which one or more setsof instructions 524, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 524 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 524 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 504,the static memory 506, and/or within the processor 502 during executionby the computer system 500. The main memory 504 and the processor 502also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 524 or receives and executes instructions 524responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 526 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 526.Further, the instructions 524 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 526 via the network interface device 520.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

In accordance with various embodiments, the methods described herein maybe implemented as one or more software programs running on a computerprocessor. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limitedto, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Furthermore, alternative softwareimplementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

It should also be noted that software that implements the disclosedmethods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage medium, such as:a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk; or a solid state medium, such as a memory cardor other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories. The software may also utilize a signal containing computerinstructions. A digital file attachment to e-mail or otherself-contained information archive or set of archives is considered adistribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storagemedium or distribution medium as listed herein, and other equivalentsand successor media, in which the software implementations herein may bestored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to suchstandards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and otherpacket switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP)represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards areperiodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards andprotocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed hereinare considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

1. A multimedia access method, comprising: receiving an authorization from a multimedia distribution system at a multimedia receiver having a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, wherein the authorization authorizes data transfer via the USB port; and transferring data via the USB port.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization is received via a private access network of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: closing a switch to couple the USB port to a memory device of the multimedia receiver in response to the authorization.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the authorization includes data identifying at least one external device, and wherein data is transferable via the USB port to the at least one external device but not to other external devices after the authorization is received.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the authorization includes data identifying a device driver for the at least one external device.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising receiving the device driver from the multimedia distribution system via a network interface of the multimedia receiver.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein a plurality of device drivers stored at the multimedia device are inaccessible to a USB host, and wherein the plurality of device drivers includes the device driver identified by the authorization.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing the USB host access to the device driver identified by the authorization.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending information to a server of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system before receiving the authorization.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the server is a billing server and the information includes payment information.
 11. A multimedia access method, comprising: receiving information required to enable data transfer via a serial port of a multimedia receiver at a server of a multimedia distribution system; and sending an authorization to the multimedia receiver to authorize data transfer between the multimedia receiver and at least one peripheral device via the serial port.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data transfer is enabled for a predetermined time period.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the server is a billing server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) system and the required information includes payment information.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the required information comprises an agreement to a fee that is proportional to an amount of data transferred.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the required information comprises service subscription information.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the required information comprises information related to a license agreement.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the authorization enables a serial port controller of the multimedia receiver to access a device driver.
 18. A multimedia receiver, comprising: a peripheral device interface; a device driver selectively inaccessible to the peripheral device interface; and a memory device accessible to a processor, the memory device including instructions executable by the processor to enable data transfer via the peripheral device interface when an authorization is received via a multimedia distribution network and to make the device driver accessible to the peripheral device interface after the authorization is received.
 19. The multimedia receiver of claim 18, wherein the authorization indicates at least one authorized device, and wherein the memory device further includes instructions to: identify a peripheral device coupled to the peripheral device interface; and transfer data to the peripheral device when the peripheral device is an authorized device.
 20. The multimedia receiver of claim 19, wherein the memory device further includes instructions to not transfer data to the peripheral device when the peripheral device is not an authorized device.
 21. The multimedia receiver of claim 20, wherein the memory device further includes instructions to: send a selectable menu to a display device coupled to the multimedia receiver when the peripheral device is not an authorized device; receive a selection of a menu option of the selectable menu that indicates acceptance of a fee; and send a signal to a server in communication with the multimedia distribution network, wherein the signal indicates the acceptance.
 22. The multimedia receiver of claim 18, further comprising a digital video recorder (DVR), and wherein the memory device further includes instructions to allow communication between a peripheral device coupled to the multimedia receiver and the DVR.
 23. A processor-readable medium tangibly embodying processor instructions to: identify a peripheral device coupled to a serial interface; and send data to a display device indicating that the peripheral device is not authorized to receive multimedia content via the serial interface.
 24. The medium of claim 23, wherein the processor instructions further include instructions to: provide a selectable menu to display on the display device, wherein the selectable menu includes a menu option to subscribe to a service; receiving a signal indicating a selection of the menu option to subscribe to the service; and sending a signal to a first server of a multimedia distribution system indicating the selection of the menu option and identifying the peripheral device.
 25. The medium of claim 24, wherein the processor instructions further include instructions to receive a device driver from a second server of the multimedia distribution system, wherein the device driver enables multimedia file access via the serial port. 